Understanding God’s election
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Really, didn't you just write a post (to which I just replied) that says God is infinitely more interested in lost souls than any of us can be?
And besides...why would you pray to a passive God who does not and will not actually effectuate a person's salvation. Shouldn 't YOU be praying to the lost soul who is the final arbiter of his eternal fate, and as such effectuates his own salvation by his "free" will choice to believe and repent?
And besides...why would you pray to a passive God who does not and will not actually effectuate a person's salvation. Shouldn 't YOU be praying to the lost soul who is the final arbiter of his eternal fate, and as such effectuates his own salvation by his "free" will choice to believe and repent?
@HeIsHere Still waiting for a verse about free will in relation to the natural man with his stony heart and hostile-to-God mind.
My Bible say he cannot understand the spiritual things of God, and that the gospel message is foolishness to him, but given the amount of foolishness you believe, I can understand why you would think is possible for another to accept foolishness as God-given Truth.
My Bible say he cannot understand the spiritual things of God, and that the gospel message is foolishness to him, but given the amount of foolishness you believe, I can understand why you would think is possible for another to accept foolishness as God-given Truth.
I would say one was elect. I don't know about the other. But I certainly believe in election. I don't, however, believe God created anyone for hell. I believe people fit themselves for destruction.
I also know that He can save any person any time if He so chooses.
In John 9 Jesus heals a blind man. Jesus says the man was born blind that the works of God should be made manifest in him. Do you think God had the right to do this to this man?
I also know that He can save any person any time if He so chooses.
In John 9 Jesus heals a blind man. Jesus says the man was born blind that the works of God should be made manifest in him. Do you think God had the right to do this to this man?
John 3:16 tell us.
I spoke of walking in it, the Truth. What would you call someone who acknowledges it as Truth and walks in it?
The "power of the gospel" is grammatically self- evident.
The seed is the gospel and the condition of the soil is reflective of the receptiveness of the heart, as explained within the context of Matthew 13, starting at vv. 18
>along the path; hears but doesn't comprehend it (though, personally, I prefer it better translated, 'consider it') so evil (lies) come and easily snatch it away. That is, in that particular heart, it's left lying there, open rather than 'settled' in.
>rocky ground; hears and lets it "settle" (hence the joy) but its only superficially, settled within the 'cracks' the rocks but it doesn't take root and when trouble comes, wind, heat, what have you, it falls away.
>among the thorns; hears the word but worries of this life and deceitfulness of wealth choke the word and it becomes unfruitful. This seems self-explanatory or, at the least, is elaborated with Jesus directive to worry for nothing (know God cares for you) and who isn't familiar with the "deceitfulness of wealth" to lead to the belief that one has all they need as long as they have wealth?
>good soil; hears and understands it (again, I prefer it translated "considers" it, as "considering" anything offers it implies more than a mere head bobbing and then dismissive shrug). For example, do you considered the possibility of aliens by approaching the subject with, "It might be true, it might be a myth"? or does one ever really consider anything if they approach it thinking, "this can't possibly be true"?
I spoke of walking in it, the Truth. What would you call someone who acknowledges it as Truth and walks in it?
The "power of the gospel" is grammatically self- evident.
The seed is the gospel and the condition of the soil is reflective of the receptiveness of the heart, as explained within the context of Matthew 13, starting at vv. 18
>along the path; hears but doesn't comprehend it (though, personally, I prefer it better translated, 'consider it') so evil (lies) come and easily snatch it away. That is, in that particular heart, it's left lying there, open rather than 'settled' in.
>rocky ground; hears and lets it "settle" (hence the joy) but its only superficially, settled within the 'cracks' the rocks but it doesn't take root and when trouble comes, wind, heat, what have you, it falls away.
>among the thorns; hears the word but worries of this life and deceitfulness of wealth choke the word and it becomes unfruitful. This seems self-explanatory or, at the least, is elaborated with Jesus directive to worry for nothing (know God cares for you) and who isn't familiar with the "deceitfulness of wealth" to lead to the belief that one has all they need as long as they have wealth?
>good soil; hears and understands it (again, I prefer it translated "considers" it, as "considering" anything offers it implies more than a mere head bobbing and then dismissive shrug). For example, do you considered the possibility of aliens by approaching the subject with, "It might be true, it might be a myth"? or does one ever really consider anything if they approach it thinking, "this can't possibly be true"?
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Yes, I did understand that... and I was speaking to having had the Truth revealed, and being like Peter. I think you misunderstood my intent... that being, when someone is able to acknowledge the Truth of God's Word, Who walks away from it? That is why I mentioned it being believed that God's grace is irresistible. Someone who acknowledges the Truth and walks in it is a Christian.
Could you clarify this please? I am not sure what you mean, or even which verse you may be referring to.
Could you clarify this please? I am not sure what you mean, or even which verse you may be referring to.
Yet, how many fools walked away before Jesus asked, "will" you walk away also? And Peter effectively asked, "Do you think we're fools also?" I guess I can't understand why anyone would be reticent to call another wise if indeed they choose the best option offered to them.
I edited that to say, "The phrase 'power of the gospel'..." but, though I caught a few other edits that didn't update while composing my responses, I didn't catch that that that particular edit didn't update as I had expected it too, but I don't know why. That is, the phrase, the "power of the gospel" in no way refers to any power of self. Of course, that isn't to say that the gospel doesn't provide any sort of empowerment, if it is received as Truth.
I edited that to say, "The phrase 'power of the gospel'..." but, though I caught a few other edits that didn't update while composing my responses, I didn't catch that that that particular edit didn't update as I had expected it too, but I don't know why. That is, the phrase, the "power of the gospel" in no way refers to any power of self. Of course, that isn't to say that the gospel doesn't provide any sort of empowerment, if it is received as Truth.